ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS has named the two stars he believes can do more than most to help Spurs win a Champions League place this season.

He revealed that French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has finally won his battle with American Brad Friedel to be Spurs’ first choice between the sticks.

And although the best Scott Parker can hope for against Swansea this afternoon is a place on the bench, his coach predicted that the England midfielder is the man he believes will ultimately “take Spurs to new heights.”

AVB surprised everyone when he left Lloris on the bench after giving Lyon £10million for him in August and there was speculation that he could make an early exit if he was left there.

But his coach revealed that he has now finally sealed that No 1 spot.

“We have four wonderful goalkeepers, but you have to say that Hugo has won the battle at the moment,” said Villas-Boas.

“It has not been easy for him. There were expectations that he would go straight into the team, but he was very patient.”

The coach did, however, slam the door on the possibility of Friedel returning to his former club, Blackburn, next month. “It would be a mistake to consider that option,” he insisted.

But it is Parker, out all season so far with an Achilles tendon injury, who Villas-Boas is perhaps most looking forward to seeing back in action again, sooner rather than later.

“He has to compete like everyone else, but we recognise the quality of the player. He takes us to another level,” said AVB.

“He has been very influential in the past and we have been very patient to get him back.”

And Parker’s return was enough for the Spurs boss to issue a “hands off” warning to former manager Harry Redknapp amid speculation that the QPR boss is planning a raid to take Parker and Michael Dawson to Loftus Road in January.

“We need cover and we won’t be letting them go. Harry knows these players very well, but they won’t be leaving,” he insisted.

We have four wonderful goalkeepers, but you have to say that Hugo has won the battle at the moment

Andre Villas-Boas

In the meantime Villas-Boas admitted that he may be forced to change his approach this afternoon to counter Swansea’s impressive style – and man of the moment, striker Michu.

He said: “The Spanish League is so different to England, but the power and strength Michu shows in every game is exceptional.

“Michael (Laudrup) knew him very well so perhaps there was less of a risk of bringing a Spanish player over here.

“Swansea are much more European in their approach, so we are going to have to shift a little to counter that.”

Gareth Bale faces a late fitness test on a hamstring injury ahead of the lunchtime showdown and Swans centre-back Ashley Williams admits he would prefer to not see his countryman on the teamsheet.

Williams said: “Gareth’s a mate and I don’t like to see him injured. But for the team, I’d rather he didn’t play because he is world class.”

Bale, linked with an incredible £56million move to Real Madrid last week, proved to be the difference in last season’s corresponding fixture as the flying winger tormented Swansea in a 3-1 success.